Buskers Fit for the Royal Borough

We have always liked ‘high standards’ to be applied to all our services in Kensington and the Royal Borough and it is now the time to assess our ‘buskers’. Busking has always had a proud tradition in London. A consultation has started with local-residents on proposals to regulate it in the borough.

There had been some criticism from residents about certain performers playing the same songs ‘over and over again’ and using loud amplifiers – particularly in tourist hot spots like the museums around South Kensington.

A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea said:

“For Kensington and Chelsea – and London as a whole, if we are to maintain our proud tradition of being a global powerhouse of music – more needs to be done to support and regulate our busking community.

“We need to strike a balance between what works for both residents and street performers. Our goal is to ensure that street entertainment doesn’t reduce the quality of life for residents.  

‘Our proposals to regulate busking were created after a full consultation with local people, businesses and representatives from the busking community.  We will continue the conversation around the current proposals and test how they will work in practice.”

 

Emily Candler, Executive Director of The Executive Exhibition Road Cultural Group, the body representing the Museums and others on Exhibition Road, also commented recently:

“London’s art and science district exists to promote creativity and innovation or the benefit of all.

“We work with local authorities to ensure it is a great place to visit, work study and live both today and for future generations. We know many visitors enjoy listening to street performers but it also causes disturbance to people living, working and studying here.

“We support RBKC’s efforts to improve management of street entertainment and strike an appropriate balance between the needs of everyone in and around Exhibition Road”. 

Information: maps and resident reactions gathered in the first part of the consultation are included in council papers on the RBKC website. Other comments will be welcomed.

 

photo: Yasiru Samarakoon